Chapter 3. Tilling the Soil to Find Ourselves: Conversion, Labor, and [Re]membering in Gaines's Of Love and Dust and In My Father's House (original) (raw)

This paper explores the theme of individual recovery within African American literature by focusing on the narratives in Gaines's "Of Love and Dust" and "In My Father's House." It argues that while collective memory and community play significant roles in shaping identity, there are equally compelling narratives that emphasize the need for individuals to break free from repressive folk memories. Through the analysis of characters like Trueblood from Ellison's "Invisible Man," the paper highlights the complexities of individualism versus collectivism, suggesting that personal struggles and acts of individualism, even when seemingly against communal interests, can lead to greater self-awareness and purpose.